Abstract
The aim of this study was to observe the ways of weight loss in combat sports with weight categories. The study included 18 men and 13 women from judo, wrestling Greco-Roman and freestyle, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), kickboxing, karate and thaibox.
We investigated by questionnaires the length, rate and methods of weight reduction. The results show that 87 % of the racers regularly reduce the weight before competition and this reduction moves in average about 5.4% of body weight (average 3.6 kg).
The most common form of rapid weight reduction is a combination of dehydration and restriction of food intake with increased physical activity, often in special rubber suits or in more layers of clothing. It is important to highlight that rapid weight loss is related to risk of poor health.